4 ways to stay productive during your last weeks of pregnancy

Sore muscles, a bulging belly, nausea, and anxiety can make accomplishing anything late in pregnancy difficult. Here are four ways to help you stay on top of things before the baby comes.

Fatigue often sets in during pregnancy, especially if you're busy trying to get things done.

• To ward off fatigue, eat foods rich in protein and iron, such as leafy green vegetables, beans and certain red meats.
• Avoid foods high in fat because these will take longer to digest and may make you sleepy.
• Also, be sure to drink lots of water, as staying hydrated helps keep you awake and alert.

It's important to have an exercise routine during pregnancy to decrease discomfort, stay healthy and feel energized.

• Taking a short walk between tasks can help invigorate you and make going back to the job easier.
• Swimming and yoga are also good, low-impact exercises to rejuvenate you.
• Taking frequent short breaks, and ample sleep can boost your energy, too.

Staying comfortable during the last few weeks of pregnancy is essential, so having a comfort kit by your side makes working a little easier.

• To ease nausea, have ginger chews, saltines and whole grain bread by your side.
• To combat swollen feet and legs, wear comfortable shoes and support hose.
• For lower back support, use a lumbar pillow.
• Dried fruits and nuts can keep your stomach full and give you more energy.
• By having these items on hand, you can reduce physical and mental stress and stay productive during the final weeks before the baby arrives.

If possible, find someone to help with housework and errands.

• You can also do more shopping on-line to limit the amount of time you have to be on your feet.
• The stress of cooking large meals can be made easier by cooking several days' worth at once or ordering from a restaurant more often.
• If you're working, let your boss know a schedule that suits you and don't be afraid to ask for fewer assignments or for accommodations to be made. After all, it's tough to be as productive as you were during the early months of pregnancy.

Keeping reasonable goals and staying organized with a to-do list may help you finish what you need to do before the baby arrives. By following these tips, mothers can stay productive in the final weeks of their pregnancy.